Rare Book Review: Ferrari 1947-1997 The Official Book

Based on early pre-season testing, Ferrari seriously look the goods this year. Enough to inspire me to look for some recent Ferrari books — putting aside Taschen’s $30,000 priced Ferrari Art Edition book, it’s the older titles that seem to contain the more interesting content and are still the most appealing. When Ferrari wanted to celebrate their 50th anniversary, they commissioned the memorial book “Ferrari 1947-1997 The Official Book” which was limited to 1,000 English and 1,000 Italian copies for the first print run. The 1st edition books are considered rare but fortunately Haynes Publishing, later released a 2nd print run.

At 400+ pages, “Ferrari 1947-1997 The Official Book” is a great celebration of the Scuderia’s engineering prowess and racing achievements in Grand Prix racing, sportscar and endurance racing.

The book is split into 3 key sections – the first 90 pages is Engineering Innovation which covers chassis, engine, drive train developments; the main section is its racing history from 1935 to 1997 and the last section is a pictography appendix of all the Ferrari racing cars from 1947-1997. The engineering innovation section makes great reading if revolutionary engineering experimentation is your interest – radiator cooling, winglets. Engine buffs can get insight into the Dino V6, flat V12 and turbo charged and gearbox development also gets a look in.

The 2nd section is the traditional style chronological record of each racing season, although the great aspect of this book is the inclusion of driver testimonials and memoirs – many of them recollecting stories with Enzo Ferrari himself like Chris Amon, John Surtees, Niki Lauda, Michele Alboreto, Rene Arnoux, Nigel Mansell. I have to say Patrick Tambay’s section was a good read and surprised Alain Prost’s defensive comments made it into the book!

The photography includes many (at that time) never previously seen photos both off track and on. Jim Clark hitching a lift on Surtees 158 at the French Grand Prix, Gilles Villeneuve at the 1979 Italian Grand Prix, engine design drawing from Maranello engineering department.

Also included are several double page cut-away diagrams of iconic race cars such as the 500 F2, 312T, 288 GTO and F310B.

The final section includes an appendix of illustrated car profiles and race records.

This still remains an excellent hardcover book for collectors.

Wow Factor/Money shot: Photos/diagrams of various concept cars – Spazzaneve front wing (pg 26); 1969 Sigma Grand Prix (pg 87)

Suitable for: F1 history buffs and tifosi